ACIT4100 Understanding and Communicating Research Emneplan

This course offers an introduction to the practice of writing and reading academic literature. Communicating properly, both in written and oral form, is a cornerstone of research. This course therefore also contains an element of rhetoric and writing techniques. The course will cover common concepts from research methods, such as qualitative and quantitative methods. A brief introduction of the philosophy of science helps us put the vast variations of research in context. Finally, the course introduces research and professional ethics.

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements.

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

On successful completion of this course the student:

• has thorough knowledge of writing in research processes
• has advanced knowledge of forums and channels in which research results are published
• has an introductory knowledge of the philosophy of science related to falsificationism, paradigms and research programs
• has thorough knowledge of the ethical basis for professional codes of conduct
• has advanced knowledge of writing styles related to research
• has thorough knowledge of structural templates for essay texts
• has thorough knowledge of the Toulmin model and its applications

Skills

On successful completion of this course the student:

• can find research literature in literature databases
• can analyse and critically evaluate various information sources
• can write summaries using his/her own words
• can use electronic reference tools
• can identify the research method used in a scientific text
• can explain the application of a research method in a research project
• can organize research literature in such a way as to identify patterns and commonalities
• can communicate a research-related topic using digital media
• can write texts using classic style

General competence

On successful completion of this course the student:

• can reflect and discuss plagiarism
• has a thorough knowledge of responsibility for author and co-authorship in accordance with the Vancouver Convention

After completion of this course, the student has the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills, and general knowledge:

Knowledge

The student has:

• in-depth understanding of the synthesis of user needs, user interface design, and users’ interaction with technologies.
• advanced knowledge within areas in designing, developing and evaluating user interfaces.
• in-depth knowledge about conducting a human-computer interaction project.
• understanding of the importance of different roles in a human-computer interaction project.

Skills

The student can:

• apply human-computer interaction approaches and methods, and design principles in a project.
• conduct a project referring to human-computer interaction life cycle model.
• execute a human-computer interaction project systematically, from identifying user requirements, designing, and developing user interface to evaluations with users.

• work in a human-computer interaction project with group members from diverse disciplines.

General competence

The student can:

• identify issues related to user interfaces and propose relevant solutions.
• reflect on the importance of incorporating universal design, accessibility, and usability in human-computer interaction projects.

• reflect and discuss on the use of different approaches and methods in human-computer interaction projects.

Lectures/tutorials and supervision sessions. The students work in a group of two to four in a human-computer interaction project.

Written individual essay of between 6500 and 8500 words.

The exam can be appealed.

New/postponed exam

In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student may apply for a new or postponed exam. New or postponed exams are offered within a reasonable time span following the regular exam. The student is responsible for applying for a new/postponed exam within the time limits set by OsloMet. The Regulations for new or postponed examinations are available in Regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet.

Exam in two parts:

• Group project report (two to four members in a group, 4000-5000 words) plus a copy of the individual reflection report. The individual reflection will provide the examiners of the final report with insights into how each student contributed and viewed others’ contributions to the group work. This part counts 60% of the final grade.
• Group presentation for the project (20 minutes for each group presentation followed by a minimum of 10-minute question and answer). Students are graded individually. This part counts 40% of the final grade.

Both parts must be passed in order to pass the course.

The group presentation examination cannot be appealed.

New/postponed exam: In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student may apply for a new or postponed exam. New or postponed exams are offered within a reasonable time span following the regular exam. The student is responsible for registering for a new/postponed exam within the time limits set by OsloMet. The Regulations for new or postponed examinations are available in Regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet.

All aids are permitted, provided the rules for plagiarism and source referencing are complied with.

A-F

Two internal examiners. External examiner is used periodically.